Proton reveals a cheaper Persona

Proton Australia spokesman Jon Thomson confirmed there was a likelihood that the Saga could be sold here.

“Once demand has been met in the Asean (region) and China, we are looking no earlier than 2009,” he said.

The new Saga will have a starting price in Malaysia of about $10,000 ranging up to around $13,000 for the premium model.

The current cheapest cars in the Australian market are the 1.2-litre Proton Savvy five-door hatch and 1.4-litre three-door Hyundai Getz, both costing $13,990.

Thomson said he could not comment on whether the Saga would be the cheapest car on the market here.

“I can't answer that because it is still too far away, and it is yet to be absolutely confirmed, despite being likely at this stage.”

The new Saga is powered by an improved 1.3 litre version of Proton's own Campro; double overhead camshaft multipoint injection engine fitted with a new air-fuel intake designed for better torque and driveability.

It produces 71kW of power and 120Nm of torque, sipping fuel at the rate of 6l/100km for the manual and around 6.3 for the auto.

The car sits on front MacPherson struts and a torsion beam axle rear while braking is handled by front discs and rear drums.

In Malaysia, it will come with two SRS airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners.

Proton Holdings managing director Syed Zainal said the company was targeting the Asean region with initial production of between 5500 and 6000 units a month.

“This car, we believe, has high export potential for growing market segments such as the Asean countries, China, India and the Middle East. In terms of packaging, it has a potential global reach,” Syed Zainal said.

“The initial foray will be in right-hand drive markets during the first half of the year in Asean countries, such as Indonesia and Thailand, while the left-hand drive version will follow in the second half targeting export to China,” he said.

Codenamed BLM, the Saga was developed in 17 months, and is the second new Proton to be launched in the past six months following the Persona.

Australia will get its first look at the four-door Persona sedan when it debuts at the Melbourne Motor Show in late February.

It goes on sale in March with a single specification model. Prices are yet to be announced but will be in the mid-teens.

The new Persona is based on the Gen2 Hatch platform, it's powered by Proton's Campro 1.6 litre engine with 82kW of power and 120 Nm of torque; with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

It will initially be available in seven colours.

Persona will join Proton's existing Australian light and small car line-up including Savvy, Satria and Gen2, and the small Jumbuck.